I understood the problem with him is that he doesn't want to play basketball in the NBA anymore. If that is the case a new team isn't going to change anything. If he changes his mind and decides he really does want to play, why would he want to play on the Celtics over say Cleveland? CLE seems perfect for him, smaller market (he doesn't seem like the Miami, LA, NYC type), but great team in terms of winning potential.
So they are just going to buy him out? No going through waivers to see if someone else will take him? That tells me he doesn't want to play anywhere.
To be clear, "buying him out" describes the agreement between Milwaukee and Sanders to end his contract. By rule he is placed on waivers, and if he is not claimed (which he will not be), the buyout agreement takes effect. Also, Sanders won't be giving up any money in this negotiation. The buyout will settle the payout schedule (since he has multiple years left), the status of any contract bonuses (should any exist), and the amount that any future contracts Sanders signs will set off what Milwaukee owes him. Often that's a 50-50 split, so for instance if Sanders were paid $2 million next year, Milwaukee's obligation to Sanders would be reduced by $1 million.
OK, that clears it up (Thanks).
What makes everyone so sure no one will claim him? I think hearing him say he wants to play really changes his value. Maybe we should consider trading them Wallace for him. I know the contract extends a couple of extra seasons beyond Wallace's but if Sanders is really ready to play again (and that is a big IF), it might be a risk worth taking. Of course if the wanting to play is just lip service to get another contract, it would be a really bad idea.
And this whole buy out thing. It is a great strategy for a player. Sign a good deal, go home because you don't want to play anymore, team one "buys you out", team two signs you to another contract (now two teams are paying you) and repeat. You can keep signing and going home until there is no one left who will sign you.
No one will claim him because he's owed $10 million a year for the next three years beyond this one, and because a team would need either cap room or a trade exception large enough to absorb his entire salary this year, not just what's left. There are two teams with such ability -- the Celtics and Sixers.
ooooo...first post on the merged thread.
saltlover, i THINK i just saw the salary as $11 million for three more years. but that is a small, small point.
http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/s/sandela01.html you beat me to the "if they claim him through waivers, you pay for him" point. but let's think about this. at $11,000,000 for three years that is not much given the salary cap is about to rise. picking him up off waivers would not hamper the celtics from bringing in free agents.
i am not sure whether sanders will ever play to his potential or not. and that is the key.